Fern Lake Fish Stocking
Clinton County, New York · 2015–2025 on record
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Fern Lake was last stocked June 2025 with Walleye. Fern Lake has 5 stocking records on file, spanning 2015–2025, with about 46,549 fish stocked over that period.
By species
Angler's Field Guide
Fishing Tips & Stocking Guide for Fern Lake
Practical advice on fish behavior, recommended tackle, and state regulations for anglers fishing in Clinton County, New York.
Post-Plant Behavior & Timing
Hatchery-raised fish are conditioned to pelleted feed and open raceways. Following a release into Fern Lake, they typically congregate in schools near public access points, boat ramps, or inlets for the first 24 to 48 hours while adjusting to natural water conditions.
Since Fern Lake was last stocked June 2025, anglers visiting within 1 to 2 weeks of a reported event generally experience the highest activity before fish disperse into deeper cover.
State Regulations & Licensing
- •Fishing License: A valid New York freshwater fishing license is required for anglers age 16 and older.Purchase New York license online →
- •Official Rules & Limits: Bag limits, bait restrictions, and seasonal boundaries are set by New York fish & wildlife agency.Official New York regulations guidebook →
- •Ethical Conservation: Use barbless hooks and keep fish submerged in water during unhooking.
Recommended Tackle & Presentations
Techniques tailored to the species stocked in Fern Lake:
Bass & Panfish Approach
Target visible structure such as docks, weed lines, and fallen trees. Small 1/32 to 1/16 oz jig heads with soft plastic grubs or live worms under a float work well for crappie and bluegill; soft plastic worms or spinnerbaits work well for bass.
Walleye Profile Tips
Highly regarded as table fare; typically targeted with jigs, live bait rigs, or trolled crankbaits, often after dark.
Recommended Tackle for Fern Lake
Field-tested tackle and presentations matched to the species stocked here.
Gary Yamamoto 5-inch Custom Senko Stickbaits
The heavy salt-impregnated plastic produces a unique horizontal shimmy on the fall around weed beds, docks, and submerged timber.
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jig & Plastic Kit
Micro-jig heads paired with soft swimbaits mimic tiny baitfish and insects for schooling crappie and bluegill.
Aluminum Fishing Pliers with Braid Cutters
Safely removes hooks, pinches split-shot sinkers, and cleanly snips braided, mono, and fluorocarbon lines.
Plano Waterproof Utility Tackle Box Tray (3600)
Keeps terminal tackle, weights, and spinners dry and corrosion-free with customizable compartments.
As an Amazon Associate, StockedWaters earns from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are chosen for hatchery-conditioned fish behavior and ethical rigging. We may receive a referral commission if you buy through these links. Read our editorial policy & standards.
Nearby stocked waters
Other stocked waters near Fern Lake, freshest activity first.
Saranac River North Branch
9 miFranklin County · 2 species · 3 records
Last stocked April 2026
Clements Pond
12 miEssex County · 1 species · 15 records
Last stocked September 2025
West Branch Ausable River (Ausable Acres)
4 miEssex County · 1 species · 1 records
Last stocked May 2025
West Branch Ausable River
4 miEssex County · 3 species · 526 records
Last stocked May 2025
East Branch Ausable River
4 miEssex County · 3 species · 155 records
Last stocked May 2025
West Branch AuSable River
4 miEssex County · 2 species · 2 records
Last stocked April 2025
Stocking history
Most recent stockings first. Dates shown at the precision the agency reported.
| Date | Species | Number | Size | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 2025 | Walleye | 9,500 | 1.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2021 | Walleye | 9,500 | 1.4" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2019 | Walleye | 9,524 | 1.3" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2017 | Walleye | 9,525 | 2" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
| June 2015 | Walleye | 8,500 | 1.7" | New York fish & wildlife agency |
Frequently asked
When was Fern Lake last stocked?
According to New York fish & wildlife agency, Fern Lake was last stocked June 2025 with Walleye.
What fish species are stocked in Fern Lake?
Fern Lake is stocked with Walleye.
How often is Fern Lake stocked?
Fern Lake is stocked intermittently — 5 recorded stockings between 2015 and 2025.
How many fish have been stocked in Fern Lake?
About 46,549 fish have been stocked in Fern Lake across 5 recorded events since 2015, per New York fish & wildlife agency.
What size are the fish stocked in Fern Lake?
Fish stocked in Fern Lake average about 1.6 inches, based on the sizes the agency reported.
Do you need a fishing license to fish Fern Lake?
Yes, all anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid New York freshwater fishing license. Always review current regulations from New York fish & wildlife agency for site-specific rules, bag limits, or stamps.